Israel is not being directly briefed by the US on developments in talks with Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz and is receiving most information through indirect channels.
Israeli officials have questioned the latest push for a diplomatic breakthrough between the US and Iran, saying President Donald Trump and his advisers are seeking a deal “at any cost”, according to Israeli media outlet Channel 12.
A senior Israeli official, speaking to Channel 12, described the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s approach, saying: “The distance between peace and war with Trump is the distance between the letters T, R and U on the keyboard.”
According to the Israeli media outlet, Israel is not being directly briefed by Washington on developments in talks with Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz and is receiving most information through indirect channels.
Trump wants iran deal ‘at any cost’
Israeli officials reportedly mocked the latest diplomatic developments, saying any agreement could regulate operations in the strategic waterway and allow Washington and Tehran to return to a previous understanding.
“Today is ‘World Peace Day’. The diplomatic track has returned with full force. Trump wants a deal, his advisers want a deal at any cost — and the Iranians understand this,” Israeli officials were quoted as saying.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, the officials said Israel remains on high alert, with the Israel Defense Forces continuing communication with the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
“Right now, the diplomatic path appears to be the direction, but we’ll see what happens,” the official said.
The comments come as Iran and Oman have reportedly made progress towards a possible agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.
Under a proposed arrangement, ships would enter the Persian Gulf through an Iranian-controlled route and exit through a route managed by Oman, with fees potentially charged for security and maritime services, regional officials told The Associated Press.